11 Trusted Tips to Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

If you want to avoid being fooled and losing a lot of money, follow these tips.

Be smart about payments

alinabuphoto/Shutterstock
Do not pay more than 25 to 33 percent of the total job cost as a deposit. Hold off on your final payment until the job is finished and you are satisfied with the completed work. Also, don’t make a final payment until you receive a lien waiver stating that the contractor has paid subcontractors and for supplies. These are things every homeowner needs to know ASAP.

Always pay with a credit card

Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock
Paying with a credit card will ensure that you have protection against scammers. Never pay in cash. Dishonest technicians will ask for money upfront and leave you with an unfinished job. If you pay with a credit card, your credit card company can work with you to dispute the charge.

Price match

Leszek Glasner/Shutterstock
A low price tag for a big project might seem tempting, but make sure you do your research first. “Since lower prices may be offered due to cheaper equipment and a lack of experience, make sure to compare prices with other local businesses by calling to see what the average estimate of the job would be,” says Dwyer-Owens. More times than not, paying a higher price will get the job done correctly and save you money in the long run. Watch out for these secrets home inspectors won’t tell you.